The Benefits Of Being Properly Hydrated
Water ensures that every system in the body works correctly. In fact, water has many important jobs to perform in your body, including:
- Carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- Flushing bacteria out of your bladder
- Improving digestion
- Preventing constipation
- Normalizing your blood pressure
- Cushioning joints
- Protecting vital organs and tissues
- Regulating your body temperature
- Maintaining a proper electrolyte balance.
Without drinking enough water every day, your body can’t perform all of these functions at 100% capacity.
Now that you know how important it is to be properly hydrated throughout your day, let’s take a dive into the answers to these commonly asked questions.
I was always told that drinking eight glasses of water a day is ideal. Is this true?
Though a commonly believed myth, this belief isn’t supported by any concrete research. The food and nutrition board published this recommendation in 1945, even though it had no scientific backing. Yes, of course, it’s important to drink water throughout the day. But if you don’t hit that eight glasses mark, you’re more than likely getting enough water through food and other drinks. Just keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you should reduce your intake of H2O. You simply don’t have to stress about getting to eight glasses all the time.
Recently, there’s been a trend on social media about drinking at least a gallon of water a day. Is this actually a healthy goal to strive towards?
“Proper” hydration depends on body type, activity level, and climate. Your body is well adapted to signaling when you need to drink. Learn to respond to your cues. While drinking a whole gallon just isn’t necessary for most people, studies suggest that, generally, there’s no harm in downing a gallon of water a day. The only exception to this is people with heart failure or kidney disease.
Is yellow urine a sign of dehydration?
It can be, but yellow urine isn’t always a sure sign. The main time that you need to worry is when your urine is a dark yellow, almost brown color. This is when it is a sign of dehydration.
If you’re thirsty, are you already dehydrated?
If you start to feel thirsty, then you are probably on the way to becoming dehydrated, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re there yet. Being thirsty is just one of your body’s cues that it uses to let you know that you need to start drinking water.
Is it possible to drink too much water?
Actually, yes, it is possible. People with certain health conditions would be putting themselves at risk of complications if they drank too much water. Individuals with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or swelling of the lower legs (also known as edema) need to avoid excess water intake.
What is your recommendation for achieving proper hydration in your day-to-day life?
Start your day with a large glass of water. Not only will this rehydrate you from sleep, but it will also support good cognitive health. It will energize you first thing in the morning. Throughout the day, try to keep a large refillable water bottle on hand at all times. This will encourage you to drink. Always drink water when exercising.
Key Tip
If you don’t like plain water, you can try adding some sliced fruit or flavored electrolytes to it.
Dr. Grimes has got you covered whenever you have a health question you need to be answered or a problem that needs to be treated. Become a member of our wellness platform to adopt healthy changes and improve your quality of life today!